Migraine Triggers

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If you have ever experience a
migraine, you know that it is a painful, sometimes debilitating occurrence.
When I use the term migraine, I don’t mean just a headache. A migraine is
usually 10 times worse than a normal headache. In addition to headaches, migraines
are accompanied by altered bodily perceptions and nausea. Typical migraine
symptoms last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.

Doctors and scientists have no idea
why migraines occur. Some believe that they originate in the brainstem due to
intracellular transport dysfunction where as others believe migraines are
genetically predisposed. Whatever the origination of migraines may be, there
are several triggers that can cause an episode to occur and unfortunately most
people have no idea what those triggers are so avoiding them is not an option.

However, researchers have found
there are some triggers that can cause migraines in all patients, making it
easier for people to replace certain foods, products or habits in their lives.
Food triggers are deceptive because it could be only one food or several types
of foods that trigger a migraine. Additionally if may be a specific ingredient
and not necessarily a food per say. People with food triggers have a couple
ways to find the food. The first is noticing that every time you eat that food
it causes a migraine. Others do an elimination diet, by eliminating all
potential trigger foods, then adding them back in one by one with a week in
between to see if they are the trigger. Others change habits by switching out
light bulbs, or perfumes that can cause migraines.

These triggers can be cut out, replaced or stayed away from
to reduce the likelihood of triggering a migraine. Remember there are several
more triggers than on this list, so if migraines persist try to figure out some
of the additional triggers in your life.

1.Caffeine, some peoples daily cup of energy. There are some
people who feel like they can’t go with out their cup of coffee, or 3,5, 7
cups. But just as much as cutting out caffeine can be helpful to reduce
migraines, caffeine withdrawal can cause them too. If you have been drinking
coffee everyday for the last 20 years and you just one day quit cold turkey,
your body may freak out and trigger a migraine because it is so reliant on that
cup of coffee everyday.Not to
worry if you think you will have caffeine withdrawal then it is important to
wean yourself off of caffeine slowly. Start cutting back everyday until you no
longer need that cup of coffee.

2.Sugar, such as Aspartame and Nutrasweet, are 2 of the leading
sweeteners that have been proven to induce migraines. These two artificial
sweeteners have been used in thousands of food products globally not to mention
in soda. Although sugar is another huge trigger, avoid using the artificial
kinds, all natural sugars like sugar in the raw are healthy for you.

3.The three most romantic foods cheese, chocolate and wine have
been shown to cause migraines. Any kind of alcohol can trigger a migraine, even
wine. But chocolate contains phyenylethamine and aged cheese contains the amino
acid tyramine which both have been proven to contribute to migraines. So the
next time you are being romantic be a little more creative and avoid these
three foods.

4.If you are a smoker, I’m sure you have had many people tell
you its bad for you.Well for all
the long lists and reasons that smoking is bad for you, in addition it could be
the trigger for your migraines. If this isn’t a reason to stop smoking then I
don’t know what will change your mind, but I know its hard and it won’t be easy
especially if you have been smoking for a really long time. Just remember that
even if you don’t smoke, second hand smoke can be a trigger as well. The best
remedy is to remove yourself from that environment, whether that means you
physically leaving or the smokers physically leaving.

5.Try a different type of contraceptive rather than birth
control pills. The birth control pill changes the release of hormones in a
female’s body, ultimately so she won’t get pregnant. However when you start
changing the way hormones are released or when they are released within the
body this can have side effects such as migraines. In some instances women have
changed dosages or brands with migraine relief. There are other forms of
contraceptives including condoms, spermicides, IUDs, etc.

6.Light and noise have a huge affect on migraines. Too bright or
brilliant lighting can trigger migraines the same way too loud noises such as
music, yelling, and banging can cause migraines. Change light bulbs to a softer
wattage. Also if you work at a computer all day consider getting a screen
filter or taking many breaks to avert your eyes. If you work in construction or
at a concert arena, anywhere where there is loud noise consider using ear plugs
or switching jobs.

7.Smell is also a very active trigger. Perfumes and colognes are
used regulary by thousands of men and women. One brand may not smell good to
someone else as to the one who is wearing it. Strong odors travel and can cause
other people migraines even if the wearer loves the smell. Change from using
perfume or cologne to using a body wash with a scent. Scented body wash is not
as strong as perfume and clings to the skin so is rarely smelled from far away.
Plus scented body wash doubles as a cleanser and a good aroma.

8.Stay hydrated.Our body’s are made up of 75% water, therefore staying hydrated is
important for continued living. However, when the body becomes dehydrated it
causes symptoms of thirst, fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness, confusion and
headaches or migraines. To function properly it is important to replace the
water that our body excretes and secretes through normal body functioning.
Therefore by drinking 64-80 ounces of water a day you are replacing what the
body secretes through spit, sweat, and urine.

9.Get enough sleep. Sleep is important to allow the brain to
shut down and reboot. Not getting enough sleep or too little sleep can cause
the brain to function abnormally and cause side effects of exhaustion,
dizziness, confusion, headaches, migraines and dehydration. Get into a sleep
pattern to regulate the bodies functioning. If you go to sleep and wake up at
the same time everyday your body will regulate its processes and decrease
painful symptoms.

10.Do some cardio. Get the heart rate up and your blood pumping.
Improper blood flow throughout the body can cause migraines. Therefore by
regulating the blood flow through proper exercise the body will correct any
problems that had occurred. Little to no activity can cause obesity and
decreased blood flow to a specific area. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise a
day is recommended to stay fit.

11.Change in weather, air pressure, temperature, and pollution
can cause migraines to occur.We
cannot predict when the weather is going to change. One day it can be hot and
the next day it can rain. However being prepared for changes in weather can
help regulate the onset of a migraine. Keep track of weather patterns, or
change in air pollution to know when you can go outside. Also always drive or
travel by train when you can instead of flying. Changes in altitude and air
pressure have a significant affect on migraines.

There are thousands of triggers in our environment. Some
easier than others to figure out. If you know what triggers your migraines make
simple changes to reduce the contributors to migraines. It can change your
life!

*DISCLAIMER:The information contained within this website is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment made by a medical professional
.These statements have not been evaluated by
the FDA or a medical professional and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Every individual is
responsible for the direction of their own personal health care.Please feel free to contact me at Sarah@universalhealthinfo.comContent copyright . Sarah Labdar. All rights reserved.